Terry Lee Johnson

It is with a heavy heart we share Terry (TJ) Johnson passed peacefully Saturday, October 3, 2026. He was at home and surrounded by his family and loved ones after a courageous battle with a long-term illness.

Born on February 18, 1958, in Alton, Illinois, TJ was raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, graduating from Northeast High School in 1976. TJ wore many hats; husband, father, brother, son, uncle, grandfather (Poopa), coach, and friend to everyone he met.

TJ served our country for 10 years, enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1977 as an Air Traffic Controller. He continued his career as an Air Traffic Controller with the United States Department of Defense (DOD) at multiple locations within the Savannah area. He worked his way up from Controller to Shift Supervisor during his tenure with the DOD. He was known by all who had the privilege to work with him, as the Controller who could make “aircraft dance”. He retired in 2019 after 30 plus years of service to his country.

TJ was known as the ultimate jokester and instigator. To know him, was to love him. He had a nickname or unique moniker for everyone! When he was not making you laugh, he was offering a helping hand.

In addition to his exceptional career accomplishments, he was a proud family man and mentor to many of the local children who he coached in the Richmond Hill Rec Association soccer league. Coach Terry, as he was known, impacted young lives for many, many years.

TJ is survived by his wife, Tammy Johnson, with whom he shared 43 years of life and love, his children Shannon Grzandziel (spouse Joshua and children Cody and Connor Bollinger, Shawn Grzandziel), Jeremy Johnson (spouse Katie and children Payton and Addie Joy Johnson), his brother Lyle Johnson (Debbie), sister Shelia Love, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Wanetta Johnson and grandson Jayce Lee Johnson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, at Bellhaven Event Venue, 1000 Belfast River Rd, Richmond Hill, GA 31324 between the hours of 4:00pm – 8:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking you to consider a donation to The Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida for their exceptional care of TJ during his journey.